By: Sydney Barton
Here at Olivia Management, our artist have been making their way around the world with stops in North America, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Doing what they do best, they are showcasing their talents and passions to loving fans all while taking care of themselves. It may not sound like a huge feat to make sure you are feeding yourself, getting enough rest, and in the right headspace to enjoy your travels, but at the end of the day, touring is hard! Even for artists who are season vets, it is still important acknowledge the hard times so you can enjoy the good ones!
Here is a short—and very surface level— list of ways you can ensure you are living your touring life to the fullest!
Pack Easy To-Go Snacks
Eating healthy and filling meals isn’t always at the forefront at any touring musicians mind. However, it is so important to fuel our bodies with food that is nutritious and can carry us through the long work days. A quick hummus dip with your favorite veggies (or pita chips!) or a bag of nuts is always my go to! Do note though, that food is a joy of life, so if you want those chicken nuggets, you should definitely get them. Life is all about balance, even on the road.
Have a Hobby
It is common to run on autopilot in stressful seasons of life, and we are all guilty of doing this for a time or two. A way to pull yourself out of a robotic routine is to find the time, even if it is just 10 minutes, to do something you enjoy that doesn’t work the musically gifted muscles. Perhaps you pick up journaling, reading, knitting, or coloring. Whatever it is, this is your time to unwind your mind in a calm way.
Quick Work Outs
Yes, even though touring itself can sometimes be exhausting, setting time aside to intentionally move your body is extremely beneficial. It can be as easy as rolling out a yoga mat and finding a quick 20-minute ab routine on YouTube. These workouts don’t need to be strenuous as they are meant to connect you to your body, not to turn you into a bodybuilder. Another easy way to get your body moving is to take a leisurely stroll in the new city you’re in! Not only do you get movement in, but you are also able to explore someplace you’ve never been or haven’t visited in a while.
Quiet Time
Out of all of these recommendations, this one might just be the most difficult to accomplish. Tours require constant movement, no matter where you are. Even the most social people need time for reflection and silence to ensure they understand how they are feeling. Whether this is on the tour bus or in the green room, just 5 minutes of silent self-reflection will significantly increase your emotional wellbeing. Touring isn’t just exhaustive physically, so it is vital we also acknowledge our mental health.
There are probably 100 more ways to improve life on the road, but applying these four simple tasks is a great starting point for anyone. Olivia Management is all about sharing live music with fans and exploring the world, but we also emphasize the fact that we are all human beings with real needs. Let’s all take a couple minutes of our day and use these tactics to make life all the better!